Monday, September 26, 2011

Applesauce Cake


This Applesauce Cake is my favorite cake because it is not too sweet, contains cinnamon, has no eggs, and can be mixed in one bowl. I found this recipe in a paperback Fannie Farmer cookbook in 1970! The pages of the cookbook are yellowed, dried and brittle. Consequently, I keep a list of the applesauce cake ingredients handy, so I don’t have to disturb the book that I’ve owned for over 40 years!

I’ve baked this for many, many guests and applesauce cake is received with universal enthusiasm! 

I never add salt or nuts, but usually add 1/3 cup water or milk to improve mixability. You can probably guess that I use unsweetened applesauce. Recently, I got a good result using 1 cup AP flour and 3/4 cup whole wheat flour.  Enjoy!

Applesauce Cake 
Ingredients:

1 cup applesauce, sweetened or not
7/8 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup melted shortening or salad oil
1 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon powdered cloves
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup nut meats, cut in pieces

Instructions:

  1. Set the oven at 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 9-inch pan (square or round), or two 8-inch pans if you prefer thin squares of cake.
  2.   Mix thoroughly applesauce, brown sugar and shortening/oil.
  3.  Sift into a large bowl: flour, baking soda, salt (optional), cinnamon, and cloves.
  4.  Add raisins and nuts.
  5.  Add the applesauce mixture. Blend well and spoon into the pan.
  6. Bake about 40 minutes.